WHICH ANIMAL ARE YOU CASTING?

If you have questions about an animal not listed here or would like to discuss any issue involving animals in film and television in more detail, please e-mail AFTV@peta.org or call 323-210-2233.

No Animals Were Harmed.

Unfortunately, the American Humane Association's (AHA) "No Animals Were Harmed" seal of approval is misleading to filmmakers and audiences alike. PETA regularly receives reports from film-industry insiders concerning the AHA's inadequate oversight of the use of animals in film and television projects. It's been reported that in some cases, animals were harmed while AHA management looked the other way and was even complicit in arranging for the filming of sequences that were potentially dangerous to animals.

The Hollywood Reporter has published a scathing investigation of the American Humane Association that supports what PETA has been saying for years: AHA monitoring is woefully inadequate, and as a result, animals used in film and television are frequently put in dangerous situations, injured, or killed.

Researching Animal Trainers

Most productions either don't know that they need to check a trainer's U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) record or simply don't know how. Click here to download information about animal trainers who are frequently hired to coordinate or provide animals for film and television productions.

Your Reputation Is Everything

Producers, directors, and writers must also do their part. They must make sure that animal trainers with USDA violations are not employed and that computer-generated imagery, animatronics, and other types of technology are used to replace animals, who should never have to be injured or die for our entertainment.

The End of Wild Animals in Film and TV Is Coming

The best way to prevent animals from being injured or killed on set is not to use them at all. There are many great ways to tell a story about animals without using even one animal, and that can also save you money and provide you with greater artistic control.

Computer-Generated Imagery

Computer-generated imagery (CGI) has become an integral part of film and television production, and it's an excellent alternative to using live animals.

Meet the actor who needs only one take.

PETA's new public service announcement, narrated by Academy Award–winning actor Adrien Brody, was created using CGI. This piece illustrates the tragic lives of animal "actors" and asks viewers to put themselves in the place of great apes.

Animatronics

Animatronic technology is becoming more advanced every day. You might be surprised to discover that even simple scenes involving animals sometimes rely on animatronics, making shooting easier, faster, and less expensive.

High-quality, affordable stock film footage of many animals can be found. Rather than stage scenes that are inherently dangerous for the animals involved, such as rodeos, you can film a live event and edit it easily with scripted footage. Animals filmed in their natural habitat can be seamlessly intercut with new footage.

Costumed Actors

Costumes and prosthetics are often used to transform human actors into another species. While saving animals from suffering and cutting costs, this technique also allows for greater control of performance.

Writing Animals out of Scripts

Did you know that Chuck Bass had a pet monkey in the Gossip Girl novels? Thankfully, producers of the show rewrote the story to have Bass adopt a rescued dog instead and name him Monkey. Asking the question, "Do we really need to use an animal in this scene?" can save a lot of time and money and possibly prevent an animal from being injured or killed.

Report Abuse

If you've witnessed cruelty and/or neglect during the production of a film, television show, or advertisement or at an animal-training compound, please fill out the form below or leave us a detailed message at 323-210-2233.

If your concerns are not related to the production of a film, a television show, or an advertisement or to an animal-training compound, please follow the instructions on this page.

All fields in bold are mandatory.

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